The UFC returns to the United Center (Chicago) on Saturday, Aug 16 with a blockbuster middleweight title fight: champion Dricus du Plessis vs undefeated Khamzat Chimaev. Main card is PPV on ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET) in the U.S.; prelims air on ESPN/ESPN+. Co-main: Lerone Murphy vs Aaron Pico at featherweight. Also on the PPV: Geoff Neal vs Carlos Prates, Jared Cannonier vs Michael “Venom” Page, and Tim Elliott vs Kai Asakura. ESPN Press Room U.S.ESPN.com
🕒 Start times & how to watch
| Region | Early Prelims | Prelims | Main Card | Where to watch (US) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA (ET/PT) | 6:30 p.m. / 3:30 p.m. | 8:00 p.m. / 5:00 p.m. | 10:00 p.m. / 7:00 p.m. | Prelims: ESPN/ESPN+ · Main: ESPN+ PPV ESPN.comESPN Press Room U.S. |
| UK (BST) | 11:30 p.m. Sat | 1:00 a.m. Sun | 3:00 a.m. Sun | Local rights holders |
| Europe (CEST) | 12:30 a.m. Sun | 2:00 a.m. Sun | 4:00 a.m. Sun | Local rights holders |
| Australia (AEST) | 8:30 a.m. Sun | 10:00 a.m. Sun | 12:00 p.m. Sun | Local partners |
Venue: United Center, Chicago (doors 4:30 p.m., local). unitedcenter.com
🗂️ Official PPV card (ordered)
| Slot | Division | Match-up |
|---|---|---|
| Main Event | Middleweight Title | Dricus du Plessis (c) vs Khamzat Chimaev |
| Co-Main | Featherweight | Lerone Murphy vs Aaron Pico |
| PPV | Welterweight | Geoff Neal vs Carlos Prates |
| PPV | Middleweight | Jared Cannonier vs Michael Page |
| PPV | Flyweight | Tim Elliott vs Kai Asakura ESPN Press Room U.S.Sherdog |
Featured prelims to watch
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Jessica Andrade vs Loopy Godinez (strawweight)
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Chase Hooper vs Alexander Hernandez (lightweight)
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Gerald Meerschaert vs Michal Oleksiejczuk (middleweight)
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Baisangur Susurkaev vs Eric Nolan (middleweight)
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Edson Barboza vs Drakkar Klose (lightweight) — listed as a featured early prelim on ESPN’s schedule. ESPN Press Room U.S.
⚖️ Weigh-in notes (Friday)
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Du Plessis 185 lb; Chimaev 183 lb — title fight official.
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Caio Borralho weighed in at 184 lb as backup for the main event.
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Bryan Battle missed by 4 lb (came in at 190 for a 186 limit); his bout proceeded at catchweight with a purse forfeiture.
All other main-card fighters made weight. MMA FightingSportsnet.ca
🔥 Storylines & keys to victory
Du Plessis vs Chimaev — chaos vs clamp
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Du Plessis: awkward rhythm, power combinations, late-round cardio.
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Chimaev: blitz entries, chain wrestling, top control & back takes.
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Round 1 clinch and cage positions likely set the tone for the fight. Odds lean Chimaev, but DDP has thrived as underdog. ReutersThe Sun
Murphy vs Pico — range vs pressure
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Murphy: rangy kickboxing, clean exits.
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Pico: explosive level changes, body work, top pressure. MMAmania.com
Neal vs Prates — boxing vs length
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Neal: southpaw counters & pocket power.
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Prates: jab, kicks and pace over 15 minutes. (Line moved toward Neal during the week.) MMAmania.com
📈 Odds snapshot
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Chimaev ~ -250 / Du Plessis ~ +200 (favorite vs champ narrative persists).
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Pico slight favorite vs Murphy after public action.
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Toss-up sentiment on Neal vs Prates; market tightened late. ReutersMMAmania.com
Always check your local book for final prices and play responsibly.
🧭 How to watch (quick guide)
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United States: ESPN/ESPN+ for prelims; main card exclusively on ESPN+ PPV (10 p.m. ET). FOX SPORTSESPN.com
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International: Start times vary by region; consult your broadcaster (e.g., TNT Sports/Discovery+ in UK/IE; UFC Fight Pass in select markets). FOX SPORTS
✍️ quick picks (fun, not financial advice)
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Chimaev SUB (Rounds 1–3) if he establishes control early.
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Du Plessis DEC if he sprawls-and-brawls, extends to minute 15+.
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Pico DEC via takedown mixing; Murphy DEC if he keeps first step clean.
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Prates KO or Neal DEC depending on who wins the jabbing war. MMAmania.com+1
Between a volatile title fight, a high-stakes co-main, and name-brand matchups across the PPV, UFC 319 has real shake-up potential for three divisions. Set your reminders, hydrate, and enjoy Chicago’s fight night theater.